Shape Up Your Space with Arabesque Tile

Has your kitchen become too square? Squares and rectangles have always been the go-to back splash shape, and although subway tile is all the rage, is your kitchen becoming too cookie cutter? If so, then its time to think of some fun ways to shape up your kitchen! If this seems to be your design dilemma, check out the trendiest shape in the tile world: Arabesque.

In this traditional kitchen, the arabesque shape adds warmth and soft curves to the space, ultimately creating a focal point above the range as the cool blue tones add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral kitchen.

 Back splashes are an ideal surface to add color and interest to your kitchen. Here, instead of using white glossy subway tile, the designer used a fun arabesque shape for the back splash creating interest while still adhering to the white-on-white kitchen trend. Houzz Blogger, Rachel Grace comments “The arabesque shape allows you to break away from standards like subway tile, while still embracing the look of a regimented, staggered pattern.”

With sharp edges all throughout the kitchen, soft curves are needed for contrast. Most kitchens have rectangular cabinetry, square windows, and square or rectangular flooring. The back splash is the perfect field to add some shapely accents creating interest while serving a purpose.

When using this geometric shape, don’t feel limited to your kitchen. Bathrooms, showers, fireplaces, and even floors are ideal spaces to add an exciting geometric shape. Note the use of the arabesque shape on this fireplace.

This Moroccan figure is making a come back. Moroccan tile is typically noted for complex geometric designs; artisans use mathematical precision to produce masterpieces. Designs rely on symmetry and repetition of complex patterns to cover large areas, such as walls and floors. Houzz Blogger, Karen Egly-Thompson found in her research that “figural representation of living things is not permitted in Islamic art forms, and the arabesque pattern arose as a stylized reference to flowers, vines and other foliage.”

 In this image, glass foil backed tile creates a lux look in this powder room. The reflectivity of the foil paired with the glass adds texture and dimension to this small powder room.

Experiment with the arabesque in your shower as well! As you can see in these images, this geometric shape acts as a bold focal point creating contrast against the light elements in the room.

  

Arabesque’s unique and traditional shape is both curvy and sharp, making it universally attractive and excitingly geometric. Feeling inspired? Check out our showroom to see how this exciting shape can add interest to your space!